BACKGROUND
The economic development industry is becoming more competitive and high profile than ever before. Within this context, the Missouri Economic Development Council (MEDC) and the Missouri Department of Economic Development (MODED) have undertaken a thorough review of how Missouri compares with other competing areas. One opportunity for sustained advantage identified throughout that process was the elevation of the economic development profession. To that end, the State and MEDC have developed a Missouri Certified Economic Developer Program, MoCED.
The MoCED designation represents the Missouri economic development practitioner’s commitment to advancing Missouri’s economy and elevating the economic development profession. The MoCED designation certifies that the Missouri economic development professional has a broad understanding of Missouri’s economic development assets, and can serve as knowledgeable resources and liaisons for businesses and communities as they look to grow and thrive in Missouri.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the certification program are:
- To provide resources to the Missouri economic development practitioner in order to answer questions relevant to doing business in the State of Missouri.
- To insure effective representation of Missouri economic development organization(s) by economic development professionals educated in the specifics of Missouri.
- To continually elevate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of professionals in Missouri’s economic development industry.
- To reward the accomplishment of Missouri economic development professionals.
CORE CONTENT AREAS
The MoCED certification process concludes with an exam that tests the Missouri economic developer’s knowledge in ten core content areas:
- Economic Development Processes and Preparation
- Economic Development Terminology
- Missouri’s Business Climate
- Missouri Data: Stats and Sources
- Missouri Incentives and Technical Assistance Programs
- State Agencies and Organizations
- State Characteristics
- State Government
- Transportation Assets
- Utility Terms and Conversions
MOCED CERTIFICATION PROCESS
Program Applications
Applicants must complete and submit a MoCED application indicating intent to achieve the MoCED certification and pay associated $100.00 fee. Candidates have 24 months from the date of the application to sit for the exam.
Exam Prerequisites
To sit for the MoCED certification exam, Missouri economic development professionals must:
- Complete a Basic Economic Development Course (BEDC) or have ten years of experience in the field of economic development.
- Have at least two consecutive years in the economic development field in Missouri either paid, volunteer or combination.
- Be an active member of Missouri Economic Development Council (MEDC).
- Complete four required pre-exam courses or workshops as offered through MEDC (waived if ten years or more experience in the economic development field in Missouri).
- Complete the certification exam application and pay associated fee.
- Note: No individual will be allowed to sit for the exam without receiving prior approval from MEDC that the above requirements have been met.
Certification Exam
- The fee to take the initial exam is $295.00.
- A score of 85% or higher on the exam will be considered a passing grade and certification will be issued. If lower than 85%, the member will need to retake the exam.
- Any MEDC member interested in retaking the MoCED Exam after the first failed attempt will have to complete the exam within 90 days from the attempt or next available exam opportunity. *No additional fee for the first retake of the MoCED Exam.
- Any MEDC member interested in retaking the MoCED Exam after the second failed attempt will be required to restart the MoCED application process again and pay the MoCED Exam fee of $295.00.
- If passed, the certification will be active for five years from the date the member passes the exam.
- Scholarships may be available to assist the member with the costs associated with attending the four required pre-exam courses or workshops and/or the exam fees.
MOCED RECERTIFICATION PROCESS
The Missouri Certified Economic Developer (MoCED) recertification process is designed to support continued professional growth while maintaining the value and credibility of the credential. Rather than requiring members to retake the exam, this model uses a flexible, points-based system that recognizes professional development, leadership, service, and applied work over time.
Overview
This updated recertification approach is intended to:
- Support lifelong learning and professional growth
- Recognize real-world experience and leadership in the field
- Provide multiple ways to maintain certification
- Align the MoCED program with national professional standards
- Make recertification more accessible for professionals across Missouri
How the Process Works
MoCED recertification would take place on a five-year cycle. During that time, members must earn 50 points through approved professional activities related to economic, community, or workforce development. Members will be notified one year out prior to their renewal date.
Key Requirements
- Recertification is required every five years
- A minimum of 50 points must be earned during each five-year period
- No repeat exam is required if recertification is completed on time
- An online application must be submitted through the MEDC portal
- A $200 recertification fee is required with the application
Ways to Earn Points
Points may be earned through a variety of approved activities, allowing professionals to choose options that best fit their work and development goals.
| Tier | Focus | Examples | Points / Limits |
| 1 | Core education | MEDC/IEDC/SEDC/university courses, Governor’s Conference on Economic Development, EDI | 10 points per event, up to 30 points |
| 2 | Applied project leadership | 3+ month projects with milestones, plans, agreements, program launches | 10 points per project, up to 30 points |
| 3 | Professional engagement | Committees, taskforces, boards, conference presentations, mentoring | 5 points per activity, up to 15 points (max 5 points from mentoring) |
| 4 | Self-directed growth | Webinars, articles on Missouri economic issues | 2 points per activity, up to 10 points |
What to Submit
As part of the recertification application, members will be asked to provide documentation showing how points were earned.
Required Materials
- Updated résumé
- Activity log
- Supporting documentation for completed activities
Accessibility and Flexibility
The framework is designed to include a mix of low-cost and no-cost opportunities so that professionals across Missouri can maintain their certification. This approach helps ensure that recertification is both meaningful and accessible, regardless of organization size or budget.
If Recertification Is Not Completed
Members who do not complete the recertification process on time would lose active MoCED status and would need to retake the full MoCED exam to regain the credential.
UPCOMING MOCED EXAM DATES
Date: September 9, 2026
Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
City: Kansas City
Location: The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center
Click Here, to access the MoCED Study Manual and Resource Guide. *Note: The study manual and resource guide is only available to active MEDC members. You will need to login to the website in order to access the page.
Contact Brandon Atchison, brandon.atchison@showme.org, to register for the MoCED Exam.